THE GOVERNANCE TRAIL

In collaboration with the NGA

In Collaboration with the NGA

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the National Governance Association and we at the Schools & Academies Show, are delighted to support their important work by collaborating with them in the production of the Schools & Academies Show London 2026. The NGA’s report  The Case For Governance has helped shape out thinking towards the our content in this area, and we are proud of the opportunity to work so collaboratively with them at our London event.  

Our London show will feature a distinct and carefully crafted offering for trustees and governors. We understand the importance of having the voice of governance integrated across our agenda and involved in a  number of topics. For this reason we are hosting both a specific governance trail and the NGA MAT Conference at the show.  

The Governance Trail comprises of a number of talks and conversations featuring a governance perspective. Just as governance permeates all elements of school life, we have sought to incorporate this into as much of our content as possible.  From topics ranging from SEND and inclusion to digital transformation, we are looking to place governance at the centre of our content.  

We have worked closely with the NGA in the production of the NGA MAT Conference at the show to ensure that our content reflect the latest debates, challenges and topics impacting trusts and governance. 

The Governance Trail 2026

The sessions featuring in the Governance Trail include:  

    • How will the white paper influence different stakeholders within the education sector.  

    • What changes can we expect to see from the white paper “setting early expectations on behaviour”  

    • Does the white paper do enough to support the most vulnerable pupils?  

    Speakers:

    • Angi Gibson, President, NAHT, Headteacher, Hadrian Park Primary School

    • Becks Boomer Clark,Chief Executive Officer, Lift Schools

    • Tom Rees,Chief Executive Officer, Ormiston Academy Trust

    • Emma Balchin, Chief Executive, National Governance Association

    • Chair: Jon Severs, Editor, Tes

    • What are the effective elements of inclusive practice we are already seeing within the sector and teacher training?  

    • How will the aims and intentions of the White Paper shape provision going forward?  

    • Leveraging multi-disciplinary teams, broader stakeholders and staff development to ensure practice and provision are to the highest possible standard.   

    Speakers:

    • Syra Sowe, Principal (Interim) , Swiss Cottage School

    • Claire Dorer OBE, Chief Executive Officer, The National Association of Special Schools 

    • Adam Kohlbeck, Director of Teacher Quality, Chiltern Learning Trust

    • Emma Balchin, Chief Executive, National Governance Association

    • How do you make changes when old systems have been embedded in your setting for so long?

    • Understanding the workload involved with leading a significant overhaul of your tech systems. 

    • How can you feel confident about digital transformation when there is so much noise and changes in the EdTech Space and how do you feel comfortable with changes to avoid change fatigue.?

    • How do you help your teams grow and change alongside any digital transformations you may make and minimise any resistance to change? 

    Speakers:

    • Dawn Taylor, Assistant Head Teacher, Kingsdale Foundation School and Managing Director, Challenge Innovate 

    • Sonal Desai

    • Rob Peters, Director of Marketing and Communications, National Governance Association

  • • Clarifying understanding of what generative AI can and cannot do for SEND learners

    • A developing a framework for evaluating whether AI use is supporting learning or simply completing tasks

    • Practical, ethical considerations for using AI to reduce barriers without diminishing learning

    Speakers:

    • Dawn Taylor, Assistant Head Teacher, Kingsdale Foundation School

    • Rob Peters, Director of Marketing and Communications, National Governance Association

The NGA MAT Conference

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